I've tried to teach my boyfriends little sister to knit and crochet (she's 9, and I showed her that stuff about a year ago).  She doesn't have a long attention span, so it's tough to show her some things, but she wanted to learn because she loved watching me make hats and scarves.

I have to say that she can make a crocheted chain like no other, and she's a casting on machine.  She hasn't gotten past that because of her attention span, but atleast she knows how to start something.  Maybe when she gets a little older she will be able to sit down long enough to learn a single crochet or start the knit stitch.

Right now she seems content with a long chain and a needle full of casted on stitches, so as long as she enjoys that!  It's no fun doing something you don't enjoy, and knitting and crocheting are both wonderful ways to relax.

Yea I know.  But for some reason she gets a little hung up on the knit stitch. 

Of course now she is really into painting because she got an awesome easel for Christmas.  She could just be experimenting with all different sorts of creativity until she finds the one perfect for her.  I think she is still interested in crocheting and knitting, but she is an amazing artist for her age!  So as long as she finds a good relaxing activity that's all that matters.

well here is an update. she doesn't want to bother with chaining anymore and for some reason she has a hard time finding a way to hold the hook.  well i tthought it has been awhile so lets try knitting again.  well i casted on some white sugar n cream on 10 inch bright blue needles,  knit 2 rows and started showing her.  i started with holding her hands in mine  for 2 rows and then i let go.  she has done as of now 3 rows on her own (i co 15) then we had dinner but she wants to do it afterwards.  funny thing is she is already talking about getting her own yarn - have i created a knitter?  


(she has dropped stitches-told her not to panic and picked them back up and her guage is a little loose  but she is knitting)

That's so great!  but dangerous...  Oh my imagine how the stash is going to grow.   

Yep- you're sunk.

AW!

My 4 year old daughter just crocheted her first scrunchy--with my help. I think the hardest part for her little hands is holding the yarn and working the hook at the same time, so I held the yarn and the piece for her while she hooked. She was so pround of her scrunchy and wore it to school.

I remember my mother teaching me with a chain, but with my short attention span and really never progressed passed that as a kid. That first row always turned me off, but sometimes she would let me work a row on something she was doing which was always fun. I didn't learn to knit until last year, and I don't think I would have had the patience as a kid (heck I barely have it now). My daughter is intrigued by my knitting needles but I don't think she is ready for that yet, or maybe I am the one not ready because I don't have much confidence in my own knitting abilities yet.

Congratulations!  You've planted a big seed!  Even if she loses interest tomorrow, next time she picks up the needles, it will be much easier for her.  Does she have any friends who could come over to knit?

How about showing her spool knitting?  There are some larger spools out there that have 6 pegs, she could make "clothes" for her dolls.

PS - Hide your coveted stash!!!